The elder of the 92-year-old ultra-Orthodox generation, who contracted the corona virus, is under the supervision of a doctor • His people say he is feeling well • His relatives:
Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, last year
Photography:
Eric Sultan
The news that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky became infected with the corona virus has become the talk of the day in the ultra-Orthodox world.
Rabbi Kanievsky, 92, is considered a senior figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox world and world-renowned, following countless stories about his blessings that boosted his status among the Hasidim.
The rabbi's entourage says that during Shabbat he felt well and his body temperature dropped.
A close-knit doctor is around him and once every few hours he is examined.
In recent months, following the eruption of the corona, the rabbi's home and the usual way of life have changed in the rabbi's home.
The audience receptions, in which hundreds of people would pass in front of him during each day to receive greetings - were completely stopped.
The circumcision events in which he was used as godfather, were also discontinued.
Heads of meetings as well as MKs who were accustomed to coming to his house regularly refrained from doing so, and a nylon partition was placed on his desk for meetings held under the restrictions.
According to his associates, they took extra care to avoid infections and the household members were checked frequently.
In the last two weeks, his closest grandson has been tested three times - and each of the tests came out negative.
Just last week, a letter was distributed signed by the two senior Lithuanian rabbis - Rabbi Kanievsky and Rabbi Gershon Edelstein - who called for praying in the open spaces.
"The Gabay of the synagogues will see to it these days to take care of the possibilities of prayer quorums as much as possible in the open space in the synagogue courtyards, etc., and all those who can help with this in other places are well paid," the letter stated.
"During the holiday do not be hosted for meals and the like, and at risk including the adults who will live and be very well guarded."
It added: "One of the things that keeps you from getting infected when you are between people is wearing masks. They are very useful and should not be taken lightly."
Two rebbe became infected
Last month, a storm arose when a statement was published by Rabbi Kanievsky calling for no corona tests to be performed at yeshivas.
The publication caused a great deal of controversy and anger at the rabbi's teaching, but his men explained that the rabbi did not call for the tests to be avoided, and that his intention was not to conduct tests at the yeshivot complexes, where the boys are regularly present, turning them into corona hotels.
Meanwhile, following the publication in "Israel Today" about the "Rebellion of the Rebbe" - the Hasidim who do not adhere to the restrictions of the corona as part of a policy of herd vaccination - it was learned that the Rebbe of Kretschnif was infected with the corona and in good condition.
He is joined by the Rebbe of Pittsburgh who also fell ill and is hospitalized at Niado Hospital. Last Friday, a letter was circulated on behalf of the Rebbe of Belza, demanding that he wear a mask and maintain hygiene, and ask the followers that whoever has symptoms - not leave the house.